A county MP has expressed grave concern over the worsening economic climate as latest Government figures show a doubling in jobless totals in Pembrokeshire over the last year.

According to official statistics released last week, the number of Jobseeker Allowance claimants in Preseli Pembrokeshire has risen by more than 107% in the last 12 months.

In just one month since January 2009, local unemployment has increased by nearly 15%.

Since February 2008 unemployment has increased 78% across Wales and 72% across the UK.

That means that in Preseli Pembrokeshire jobs are being lost at a faster rate than the national average.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said: “With the LNG projects approaching completion and the downturn being experienced in the wider economy, I had expected the jobless figures to be bad.

“However, the picture in Preseli Pembrokeshire is far worse than anticipated.

“Local unemployment is increasing at a far faster rate compared to the Wales or UK averages. It is deeply concerning.”

“In order for Pembrokeshire to remain buoyant through these difficult times, much greater effort needs to be made to support and sustain the small and micro-business community which has, and always will be, the backbone of the county’s economy.

“The development of the new power station at Pembroke is a welcome shot in the arm for the local economy which will go some way in helping to counter the escalating unemployment levels.

“But we need to ensure that local people and businesses are able to maximise on the opportunities created by this project.”

Last week Mr Crabb held another meeting with RWE nPower in London to discuss the Pembroke project and to urge a close partnership with the local business community and JobCentre Plus so that local unemployed people get early notice of potential job opportunities on-site.

For information on Mr Crabb’s advice surgeries contact the constituency office on 01646 693888.